With simplicity in mind—because our walks are never about anything fancy, just the beauty of traveling lightly—we’ll transfer to Melrose by bus.

This picturesque town sits at the base of the famous Eildon Hills.

After checking into our accommodations, the afternoon is yours to explore this quaint town—be sure not to miss a visit to beautiful Melrose Abbey.

Starting from Melrose, our route takes us on an invigorating climb over the iconic Eildon Hills, whose triple peaks are among the most cherished landmarks of the Scottish Borders. At the summit, we’ll pause to catch our breath and take in sweeping panoramic views: Melrose below, the Moorfoot and Lammermuir Hills to the north, and the majestic Cheviot range to the south.

After descending to the village of Bowden, tucked in the shadow of the Eildons, the trail meanders through gentle farmland and woodland toward Newtown St. Boswells. From there, we’ll continue on to Dryburgh Abbey, where we will rest for the night.

This morning, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy some quiet time at Dryburgh Abbey, a serene and historic site renowned for its beautiful ruins and tranquil riverside setting. After soaking in the peaceful atmosphere and lunch, we’ll set out for St. Boswells—a gentle, shorter walk to ease into the day.

This section of the walk is truly delightful. We’ll stroll through flower-filled forests, pass charming churches, and follow a bubbling river where swans glide and fly fishermen cast their lines. It’s a refreshing stretch of the trail. Just outside of town, we’ll pause at a beautiful garden center—take a moment to enjoy a scone with tea or coffee—before transferring to our accommodation for the night.

After leaving Jedburgh via the Canongate Bridge, the trail begins with a steady mile-long climb on a dirt road, then continues through matted grasses along pasture borders. Between Jedburgh and Morebattle, most of the 1,125 ft. elevation gain occurs in the first 4 miles, with a few short, steeper sections. The remaining 5 miles follow country roads winding through fields of bright-yellow rapeseed, passing the historic ruins of Cessford Castle along the way.

Crossing a footbridge over the Kale River, we begin a day’s walk through scenic fields and stiles, with stunning views back toward Morebattle and the surrounding Eildon Hills.

Along the way, we tackle one of the steepest climbs of the entire walk, reaching the summit of Wideopen Hill, where panoramic vistas stretch toward Yetholm and its loch.

Our descent leads into the valley of Bowmont Water, bringing us to the charming village of Kirk Yetholm. With its picturesque thatched cottages, the village reflects its farming heritage and is also the northern terminus of the 270-mile Pennine Way from Edale, Derbyshire—our resting place for the night.

Refreshed after a lovely evening in Kirk Yetholm, we continue along St. Cuthbert’s Way, which now follows the final stretch of the Pennine Way. We’ll climb from Halterburn around Green Humbleton (287 m)—the first of several hillforts along the route—before reaching the national border between Scotland and England. Crossing into Northumberland National Park, we enter one of Britain’s best-kept secrets.

The trail descends via Elsdonburn to Hethpool, at the head of College Valley and home to the Collingwood Oaks. From there, we follow woodland paths and tracks along the Cheviot foothills toward Yeavering Bell (361 m), Northumberland’s largest Iron Age fort. A scenic path then winds through heather over Gains Law down to the small market town of Wooler, where shops, accommodations, and local eateries await.

Today is our longest day, so we’ll set out early. From Wooler, St. Cuthbert’s Way takes us across Weetwood Moor. If we wish, we can take a short detour along one of the circular walks branching from the main trail to see prehistoric rock carvings.

We then descend to cross the River Till via the 16th-century Weetwood Bridge and follow quiet lanes to Horton, continuing along a stretch of the Devil’s Causeway—a straight Roman road that once connected Corbridge to Tweedmouth.

Winding through farmland and woodland tracks, we’ll reach St. Cuthbert’s Cave, where monks carried St. Cuthbert’s body in 875 AD while fleeing Viking raids on Lindisfarne.

Climbing the rocky ridge of the Kyloe Hills above the cave, we’ll be rewarded with our first views of the day’s destination: the Holy Island, rising above glittering sands, with Bamburgh Castle to the south. It’s easy to see why this part of the Northumberland coast is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Here, St. Cuthbert’s Way joins St. Oswald’s Way.

We’ll follow a woodland track through Shiellow Wood to the village of Fenwick, where a welcoming coffee shop offers a short break, before completing the final two miles to our resting place.

This stretch of the road is widely regarded as one of the most spectacular along the way. The scenery is ever-changing, and even though we’ll be following the road for much of the journey to Holy Island, the shifting vistas and abundant birdlife make every step engaging. This area is a haven for wading birds, thanks to the rich feeding grounds of Lindisfarne’s mudflats—keep an eye out for Godwits, Oystercatchers, Lapwings, Curlews, and Redshanks.

Holy Island is one of Europe’s most renowned Christian sites, with a fascinating history visible throughout its landmarks. The Lindisfarne Priory, inspired by St. Cuthbert’s life, dates back to around 1120, and the island’s castle was ordered built by Henry VIII due to its strategic importance centuries ago.

We’ll plan our day to reach the causeway at low tide, following the posts of the historic Pilgrims’ Path as we walk across the sands to the island.

Today is your day to explore and soak in the spiritual beauty of Holy Island, also known as Lindisfarne. Steeped in history, this island has been a place of pilgrimage for over a thousand years, famous for its early Christian monastery, the Lindisfarne Priory, and its connections to St. Cuthbert. Wander along quiet lanes and sandy shores, visit the historic castle, and feel the peaceful rhythm of island life. From its stunning coastal views to its rich heritage, Holy Island offers a perfect, serene place for reflection—a beautiful and quiet way to bring your pilgrimage to a meaningful close.

Today we leave Holy Island and travel back to Edinburgh by bus and train, arriving by mid-afternoon. Once in Edinburgh, we’ll take a moment to say our goodbyes. You may wish to stay the night in the city and fly home the following day.